Founding Team

ROBERTO GUTIERREZ, CO-FOUNDER and PRESIDENT

Roberto Gutierrez founded LEEP in 2015. A Brooklyn resident since 2005 and the son of Mexican immigrants, Roberto is a writer, filmmaker, communications leader, and former executive for leading national charter school networks. He is a graduate of St. Mary's University and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Notre Dame for advancing values of justice and peace in American broadcasting.

NELSON BROMS, CO-FOUNDER

Nelson Broms is the former chair of the Equitable Life Insurance Holding Companies. Currently, he provides strategic leadership to for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Nelson was a co-founder and/or board member of Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd., the Ethics Resources Center in Washington, DC, Family Academy in New York City, and many others.

MICHAEL REGNIER, CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Michael Regnier leads all organizational operations. A Brooklyn resident since 2008, he has three children in District 20 public schools. Michael previously served as Director of Policy & Research for the New York City Charter School Center and Vice President of Organizational Learning & Impact at Turnaround for Children. He is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Chicago.
 

Dr. Verenice Gutiérrez, SENIOR ACADEMIC ADVISOR

Dr. Verenice Gutiérrez is a nationally recognized leader in bilingual education who leads LEEP's academic program and teacher training. The daughter of Mexican immigrants, she earned a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Texas, El Paso; and a Ph.D. from New Mexico State University. Dr. Gutiérrez founded a successful dual-language program in Portland, Oregon and is a W.K. Kellogg Foundation Fellow. (She is of no relation to Roberto.)

Supporters

LEEP is grateful for our financial supporters, including:

Anonymous

The George W. Brackenridge Foundation

The Carnegie Corporation of New York

Choose to Succeed

The New Schools Venture Fund

Estate of Fidencio Gutierrez & Family

Lionel and Kathy Sosa

Join Us

Our prospective Brooklyn charter school is now speaking to prospective leaders:

TRUSTEES who are rooted in Brooklyn, skilled in a functional area, and committed to improving educational equity. This is a volunteer position requiring a significant time commitment.

SCHOOL LEADERS  who are fluent in English and Spanish, experienced leading high-performing schools, and motivated to build an extraordinary culture for adults, students, and families.

Sound like you? Email mregnier@leepschools.org to start a conversation.